The APU also features a dedicated high-definition video acceleration block, along with a high-speed bus that speeds data across the differing types of processor cores within the design.

APU-powered notebooks and desktops are currently available from a number of vendors, including Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.

In addition, tablets and embedded designs based on AMD Fusion APUs are expected be announced later in Q1 2011.

"We believe that AMD Fusion processors are, quite simply, the greatest advancement in processing since the introduction of the x86 architecture more than forty years ago," AMD VP Rick Bergman told TG Daily in an e-mailed statement.

"In one major step, we enable users to experience HD everywhere as well as personal supercomputing capabilities in notebooks that can deliver all-day battery life. It's a new category, a new approach, and opens up exciting new experiences for consumers."